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REVIVED BY A GROUP OF TEENS after the tradition began to slip following the passing of elders, the Saliqmiut Drummers and Dancers are now some of the most passionate and energetic culture carriers of the Western Arctic. Group leader Joe Nasogaluak would always play drum dance music in his home while his children grew up. He remembers his three boys – Larsen, Henson and Joe III – listening to it and gathering together with other Tuktoyaktuk peers in their house to practise. “One day we were sitting down and we could hear them pretty clear and they sounded real good, so I went to see them,” said Joe. “They were a little off-beat but they sounded good. From there, it caught my attention again, so I coached them. They did whatever they could to find and learn the songs, and to this day I’m still just coaching them.” When watching the Saliqmiut group perform, one notices the professionalism. The members strive to faithfully and powerfully carry on their tradition, with none being shy to lend their whole voice or body to the song. Crisp white is the signature style of most of their clothing, along with a range of colourful amautis or covers. The coastal people take their tradition seriously. Still, they aren’t afraid to build upon their history. Members outspokenly plan to create new songs and put their own signature on tradition. As Joe explains, respecting the culture doesn’t mean doing the same thing every time.
